Dourthe

Pierre Dourthe launched this company as a wine merchant back in 1840, but it was the fourth generation, André and Roger, who began purchasing vineyards and properties in Bordeaux. It now manages 500 hectares of vines.

During the 20th century, as well as acquiring various Bordeaux properties - such as Château Belgrave in the Haut-Médoc, Château La Garde in Pessac-Léognan, Château le Boscq in Saint-Estèphe and Château Pey La Tour - the company launched a number of successful wine ranges, including Dourthe No. 1.

One of the few to play the dual role of owner/grower and negociant, the company operates from state-of-the-art facilities to the highest quality standards, employing the world-renowned Denis Doubourdieu and his team as consultant oenologists.

Dourthe No. 1's white was launched in 1988, with the red following in 1993, and is the result of a partnership between Dourthe, some talented winemakers and a team of dedicated growers at the company's partner vineyards. Led by Christophe Olliver, the team has worked together to create a distinctive, complex style, obtained by blending grapes from different soils.

The white - a 100% sauvignon blanc - is sourced from silty, clay soils in northern Blaye, giving intensity and aromatics, as well as clay-limestone in north-east and south-east Entre Deux Mers, which provides depth and complexity. It is fermented at low temperatures in stainless steel and spends six months ageing on its lees for added balance and finesse.

The red is selected from the premium parcels of cabernet sauvignon, merlot and petit verdot vines, and is aged in new French oak for 12 months.

The Dourthe family haven't owned the company since 1998, when they sold it to its three directors, including Patrick Jestin, after which it became part of the Alain Thienot Champagne Group in 2007, with Patrick Jestin remaining as CEO. The company remains committed to growing grapes in exceptional terroirs, with each of its six châteaux managed by its own dynamic, committed team.